The Creative Classroom presents an original, compelling vision of schools where teaching and learning are centered on creativity. Drawing on the latest research as well as his studies of jazz and improvised theater, Sawyer describes curricula and classroom practices that will help educators get started with a new style of teaching, guided improvisation, where students are given freedom to explore within structures provided by the teacher. Readers will learn how to improve learning outcomes in all subjectsβfrom science and math to history and language artsβby helping students master content-area standards at the same time as they increase their creative potential. This book shows how teachers and school leaders can work together to overcome all-too-common barriers to creative teachingβleadership, structure, and cultureβand collaborate to transform schools into creative organizations.βThis work will make it easier for educators to harness and develop the creative potential of the people around themβyoung or old.β
βMihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Claremont Graduate University
βThis guide is important for all educators that are seeking to be in sync with the changing demands of the 21stΒ century.β
βKylie Peppler, Indiana University Bloomington
βKeith Sawyer has written a wise and judicious book that will challenge and inspire teachers at all levels and in all disciplines.β
βEllen Winner, Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education
βKeith Sawyer is a field leader in studies of creativity and education and he does not disappoint with this text. If teachers take one thing from this book, itβs to say βYes!β to kidsβ voices.β
βErica Halverson, University of WisconsinβMadison